Schizotypal dimensions: continuity between schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorders

Although schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are distinct diagnostic entities, there are substantial areas of overlap between the two disorders in some characteristics. There are some similarities between the schizotypal personality, as a schizophrenia prodromal personality, and obsessive - compulsive disorder that is reflected in the literature. The present study explored the possibility that schizotypal patterns may be significantly related to obsessive-compulsive and schizophrenia disorders. One-hundred and two participants (two obsessive-compulsive and schizophrenia samples, each comprising 34 patients, were compared to 34 healthy controls) completed the Schizotypal Trait Questionnaire (STA) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief form (SPQ-B). Findings indicate that schizotypal patterns are found in schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder as well as the normal group. Results are discussed in light of previous findings showing that obsessive–compulsive neurosis and schizophrenia psychosis are related to each other through psychotic-like schizotypal features and patterns.